We also live and work in the virtual world.

As a cutting-edge creative and marketing agency, we’ve become experts in positioning clients in all forms, from print, web, marketing to an exhibit. Plus, Crux also functions as an integrated agency setting up and managing marketing automation, pay-per-click and so much more!

Our business model is lean and keen.

Our onsitestaff is supported by an extraordinarily-deep consulting network of expert writers, designers and web site developers when needed. This innovative structure not only allows us to offer more attractive pricing, but to engage the most talented professionals available – whatever your project, time frame or location.

Our home is MKE, but our clients are nationwide.

With our headquarters in Milwaukee, we’re conveniently located for clients in both urban offices and suburban campuses. And since much of our business is conducted digitally, Crux can and does work virtually with clients across the country.

Awards

The truth about awards.

Everybody wins some. From somewhere. For something. Some time. So what’s the big deal?

Well, here’s the truth of the matter. Despite the cynical comments above, winning awards is a pretty true test of where agencies rank compared to their competition. Bad creative usually doesn’t win awards. Neither does bad strategy. And, as a general rule, good marketing communications sells products more effectively than bad does. So while our winning tons of awards doesn’t guarantee you sales, it is a very, very good sign that the work we’ll do for you will.

VM&SD Store Design Merit AwardStore Design

HOW Magazine Graphic Design Exhibit

Exhibit at GlobalShop Chicago, IL Exhibit

Best Exhibit Design at GlobalShop/StoreExhibit

Leadership

Principal

Managing Principal

Marketing Director

Michele Allen

Principal

With more than 25 years of experience in brand development, digital marketing, and experiential design for corporations, small businesses, museums, colleges and non-profits, Michele Allen is the Founding Principal of Crux Creative. Starting the agency in 2005, Michele has developed Crux into a culmination of her rapid imagination in helping organizations foster quality consumer relationships and delivering exemplary creative and marketing solutions that connect with their end users.

Under her leadership, Michele has worked with thousands of organizations, where she continues to apply out-of-the-box creative and brand strategies that yield productive results. Michele believes that Crux is a breath of fresh air for any business, from start-ups to corporations. That’s because her team utilizes their imagination to formulate unique creative strategies that will help their clients reach new heights with their brand presence, and develop experiences that are not just budget conscience but deliver amazing results. Michele’s reason for founding Crux was to make it possible for all organizations to receive cutting-edge marketing solutions that will give them a chance to compete in their industries. Without a doubt, Michele is committed to employing tactics that emphasize growth and produce a high return on her clients’ investments.

When Michele isn’t busy running things at Crux, she is constantly preoccupied with being a wife and mother of two amazing children and an Olde English Bulldogge puppy named Zeke. She is also a 25-year lymphoma survivor, a feat she believes indicates her grit and determination to overcome any obstacle.

Matthew Harmon

Managing Principal

In his 23 years of designing and managing the 3D, brand development and marketing side of trade shows, Matt felt compelled to lead his own agency in 2015, joining Crux Creative as its Managing Principal. Responsible for spearheading the strategy of Crux Creative’s daily tasks, Matt’s biggest strength comes from him working in nearly every department for three major exhibit houses for more than two decades.

Over the course of his career, Matt has developed a deep understanding of all of the facets of 3D Design, marketing and brand development for trade shows, museums, and other organizations. Nonetheless, Matt strives to challenge the status quo that you have to work with a large ad agency or exhibit house to receive a great design that meets your marketing needs. His passion lies fervently in helping his clients build amazing functional solutions that will respect their brand and budget.

Outside of Matt’s professional life, he is an avid reader, talented vegetarian home chef, and a devoted husband and father of two wonderful children. Matt also appreciates a great beer or glass of wine, and his most noticeable characteristic is his passion for helping others and clients.

Lydia Andersen

Marketing Director

Lydia D’Abbraccio is the Marketing Director with Crux. She joined Crux in 2018 ready to share her vast experience and knowledge. She graduated from UW-Whitewater and has an contagious love for social media marketing and event planning. She brings incredible enthusiasm to every project she touches. As a proud Wisconsinite, she loves working in Milwaukee and the sense of community that exists in the city. Lydia has a deep passion for shoes, loves being creative at home and is is planning to get married this summer.